Independent Assessors
Includes: Employer, apprentice, integrated End-Point Assessment
Overview
Conflict of interest is a key consideration in the appointment of Independent Assessors (IAs). The relationship between the assessor, the employer, the apprentice and the University will be considered within the appointment process as detailed in the guidance available for the recruitment of Independent and External Assessors. All IAs are required to declare conflicts of interest at the time of application to the University. Once appointed, IAs will be given names of the apprentices they are expected to assess for them to review and declare any conflict of interests. Upon reappointment the Independent Assessor will be required to declare if there has been any change of circumstances that may have bearing on their reappointment.
Restrictions and potential conflicts of interest
Anyone who is included in the following categories or circumstances may not be appointed:
I. a member of a governing body or committee of the appointing institution or one of its collaborative partners, or a current employee of the appointing institution; in an exceptional circumstance, an internal assessor may be employed by the University but must not have any interaction with the apprentice in this instance it would require Quality and Standards Committee (QSC) Approval
II. anyone with a close professional, contractual or personal relationship with a member of staff or apprentice involved with the programme of study or close connections to the employer
III. anyone required to assess colleagues who are recruited as apprentices to the programme of study
IV. anyone who is, or knows they will be, in a position to significantly influence the future of apprentices on the programme of study
V. anyone who is, or has been, significantly involved in current substantive collaborative research activities with a member of staff closely involved in the delivery, management or assessment of the programme(s) in question within the last three years
VI. former staff or apprentices of the institution unless a period of five years has elapsed, and all apprentices taught by or with the independent assessor have completed their programme(s)
VII. where a reciprocal arrangement involving cognate programmes at another institution is proposed, these cases will be referred to Quality and Standards Committee for consideration
VIII. the succession of an independent assessor by a colleague from the assessor’s home department and institution or organisation
IX. the appointment of more than one independent assessor from the same department of the same institution or organisation.
External Assessors
Includes: Employer, apprentice, integrated End-Point Assessment
Overview
Conflict of interest is a key consideration in the appointment of External Assessors (EAs). The relationship between the assessor, the employer, the apprentice and the University will be considered within the appointment process as detailed as detailed in the guidance available for the recruitment of Independent and External Assessors and managed by Registry and Academic Affairs. All EAs are required to declare conflicts of interest at the time of application to the University. Once appointed, EAs will be given names of the apprentices they are expected to assess for them to review and declare any conflict of interests. Upon reappointment the External Assessor will be required to advise if there are been any change of circumstances that may have bearing on their appointment.
Restrictions and potential conflicts of interest
Anyone who is included in the following categories or circumstances may not be appointed:
I. a member of a governing body or committee of the appointing institution or one of its collaborative partners, or a current employee of the appointing institution
II. anyone with a close professional, contractual or personal relationship with a member of staff or apprentice involved with the programme of study close connections to the employer
III. anyone required to assess colleagues who are recruited as apprentices to the programme of study
IV. anyone who is, or knows they will be, in a position to significantly influence the future of apprentices on the programme of study
V. anyone who is, or has been, significantly involved in current substantive collaborative research activities with a member of staff closely involved in the delivery, management or assessment of the programme(s) in question within the last three years
VI. former staff or apprentices of the institution unless a period of five years has elapsed, and all apprentices taught by or with the external assessor have completed their programme(s)
VII. where a reciprocal arrangement involving cognate programmes at another institution is proposed, these cases will be referred to Quality and Standards Committee for consideration
VIII. the succession of an external assessor by a colleague from the assessor’s home department and institution and/or organisation
IX. the appointment of more than one EA from the same department of the same organisation/institution.